The Dalben Center at East Union High will be going pink once again on Saturday.

The “Hoops for the Cure Classic” is scheduled that day, with the Lancers and visiting Ripon High girls’ basketball programs using this third annual game to help raise awareness for fighting breast cancer.

Both varsity teams will wear reversible pink uniforms to mark the occasion.

Proceeds – all 100 percent from the gate, concessions, and sponsorships – will be donated to the local chapter of “Triple Step for a Cure,” an organization dedicated to educating and helping women and their families stricken by triple negative breast cancer.

“This all began when coach (Jim) Agostini’s wife, Leslie, was found to have (triple negative) breast cancer,” said Aracely Vezaldenos, who is a parent of the EU girls hoop program.

That took place in 2009. Leslie Agostini has been free of the triple negative breast cancer – a rare form of the ailment – in recent years.

The benefit game was made possible when EU coach Agostini presented the idea to RHS coach George Contente. Both coaches had served as assistants under former EU girls hoop coach Rick Inderbitzin years earlier and had no problem coming together for the cause.

As for the game, “Hoops for the Cure Classic” will begin with the freshmen game at 4 p.m. followed by the sophomores at 5:45. The varsity game tips off at 7:15.

Those attending are encouraged to show their support by wearing pink. Pink T-shirts will be sold along with tickets for the door-prize drawing, and refreshments.

In addition, Kohl’s department store of Manteca recently donated $1,000 to the cause with employees there volunteering their time for the event.